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(((THEIR))) Statement
• What does it mean that he will be “a priest (Kohen) forever after the manner of Melchizedek?”
• Who was Melchizedek?
• What kind of priest was he?
• How could David be referred to as a “Kohen”(who originate from the tribe of Levy) when he was from the tribe of Judah?
• How was David like Melchizedek?
A priest after the manner of Melchizedek does not refer to Jesus taking over the Levitical priesthood forever.2
This statement also refers to King David.
Melchizedek was non-Jewish a King who lived during the times of Abraham as it says:
“And Melchizedek King of Salem brought forth bread and wine and he was a priest (Kohen) of G-d the most high” Genesis 14:18
Even thought he was not Jewish and could not be from the tribe of Levy, he is called a priest (Kohen) because of his position of service. Similarly, Jethro (Moses’ father-in-law) was called a “priest (Kohen) of Midian.” Exodus 18:1
Melchizedek was called the “King of Salem” This mean that he was a king of Jerusalem. In Hebrew the word Jerusalem (Yerushaliem) is made up of the words ‘yereh’ and ‘salem’.
“Abraham called this place ‘Hashem Yereh’ (God sees) Genesis 22:l4
The word Salem refers to Jerusalem, as it says:
“In Salem is his tabernacle (Temple)” Psalm 76:3
Additionally, the name Melchizedek comes from two Hebrew words, ‘melech’ which means king, and ‘zedek’ which means righteousness. This means a king over a place known for its righteousness.
Jerusalem is referred to as the city that reflects God’s righteousness as it is stated:
“Jerusalem will dwell in security and this is what she (Jerusalem) will be called ‘God is our righteousness.’” Jeremiah 33:16
Melchizedek, a generic title conferred of kings who rule over Jerusalem. In the same way, all kings of Egypt were called Pharaoh, Kings of Philistine were referred as Abimelech and Kings of Persia were given the title Achasverous.
So too, kings with the name ‘zedek’ as part of their title were human kings of Jerusalem as in:
“Adonizedek, king of Jerusalem” Joshua 10:l
Notice that the first part of this king’s name is the word “adoni” which we have pointed out mean “lord” or “master.”
Additionally, David ruled with righteousness as it says:
“David reigned over all of Israel. David administered justice and righteousness to all his people” 2 Samuel 8:15
Just as Melchizedek was king of Jerusalem so was David.
David was also promised that he would be a “priest forever after the manner of Melchizedek.” How could he be called a (Kohen) priest?
As noted above, the term priest is not exclusively used to refer to priest “Kohanin” who originated from the tribe of Levy.
In the Tanach the title Cohen is also used to refer to individuals dedicated to minister a specific service. They didn’t have to be literally a Kohen-priest but were dedicated to a specific service just like a priest.
We see specifically that David’s sons were referred to as “priests -Kohaim” as in:
“the sons of David were ministers (Kohanim) of state” 2 Samuel 8:18
Therefore, the term priest as in “priest of G-d, the most high” in Psalm 110:14 can also refer to a leader.
That David would be a “priest forever after the manner of Melchizedek.” means that the privilege of being ruler of Jerusalem would always remain to David and his descendants forever.
“To David and his offspring, forever” Psalm 18:51
The entire psalm speaks in the third person of King David and his relationship with G-d. He was literally a Melchizedek “king of righteousness” King of Jerusalem.
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1 That the Messiah would be destined to replace the Levitical priesthood is a non-biblical concept and unnecessary when the concepts of the sacrificial system, prayer and repentance are understood correctly
2 The bible gives no indication that Melchizedek’s position as a “Priest” involved any service that involved the forgiveness of sin.
Although the Psalms were composed by King David they were often written in the third person about himself. For example:
“He who releases David, His servant” Psalm 144:10
This point is also substantiated by the fact that in Hebrew this Psalm starts “L’David Mizmor” which means “A psalm of David.” L’David literally means “to David” or concerning him, it does not simply mean “composed by David.” This is similar to “L’Shlomo” meaning “for Solomon” in Psalm 72:1. This indicates that David was writing Psalm 110 about himself.